Unstable and potentially dangerous weather conditions are expected to intensify across Guyana this week, and officials are warning that rainfall levels have already exceeded monthly averages in some areas and could worsen in the coming days.
Chief Hydromet Officer Dr. Garvin Cummings and Meteorologist Eron McPherson provided the updates during an exclusive interview with NCN.
The duo explained that a rare combination of atmospheric systems is driving the current weather pattern, creating instability across the country.
McPherson clarified that the current conditions are caused by low-level troughs, strong surface convergence and upper-level dynamics pulling in heavy moisture from the Atlantic Ocean.
“We have two forces coming from both ends and so the atmospheres are full of moisture at the moment and a lot of energy and they don’t know where to go,” McPherson said, adding that the phenomenon is unusual for this time of the year.
Dr. Cummings confirmed that the impact has already been severe, particularly in coastal regions and inland areas such as Region 10. He revealed that rainfall recorded in the past 24 to 36 hours has exceeded typical monthly totals in some locations.
Among the most striking figures, he noted that Friendship on the East Bank recorded over seven inches of rainfall in a single day. Stations in Region 2, including Karawab, also surpassed their typical monthly totals within 24 hours.
Dr. Cummings stressed that such extremes fall outside normal forecasting expectations. “Those are typically seen as outliers,” he said. “Any meteorologist would find it extremely difficult to forecast the amount of rainfall that we’ve recorded in the last 24 hours given the history that we have on record.”
The officials warned that additional rainfall could quickly escalate into widespread flooding.
“Our drainage system is not designed for that amount of rainfall in that short space of time,” Cummings cautioned. “The soil is saturated and any amount of rainfall coming in the next four to five days is going to cause the situation to go really, really chaotic.”
The Hydromet Office expects a brief lull in conditions, but officials warned that this should not be misinterpreted. “Tomorrow you may see a little bit of sunshine but the forecast is suggesting that Thursday we will return to some more of this type of weather condition. It worsens on Friday and Saturday, I’m advised, [and] even Sunday and Monday, perhaps. So we’ve got to keep in tune,” Dr. Cummings said. “Don’t be fooled by a day of calm.”
They urged residents, particularly those in flood-prone and low-lying areas, to take immediate precautions. Dr. Cummings advised people to move valuables and livestock to higher ground where possible and to remain vigilant.
He also urged that farmers in key agricultural zones, such as regions three, five and six, act quickly to protect livestock and improve drainage where feasible. “You can’t do much with the crops that are in the ground,” he noted, “but moving your animals to higher ground… that’s important at this time.”
Marine conditions are expected to remain mostly moderate, but McPherson warned that reduced visibility and long-period wave activity could still pose risks. “Even though the waves might not be as heavy, they can still generate rough sea conditions,” he said, advising fisherfolk to carefully assess conditions before heading out.
Officials also addressed speculation about broader climate patterns, clarifying that the current conditions are not linked to the La Niña phenomenon. “This is just something that is a bit unusual… a temporary unsafe weather condition,” Dr. Cummings said.
Health risks are another concern as flooding becomes more likely. The duo stressed the importance of avoiding contact with floodwaters and ensuring safe drinking water, while seeking guidance from healthcare providers or the Ministry of Health where necessary.
The public is encouraged to monitor forecasts through the agency’s Facebook page, website and RSS alert system, which provides real-time updates directly to mobile devices and computers. Residents can also contact the National Weather Center for additional guidance.